Dual-qualified in Scotland and England, Kirsti is a construction dispute resolution lawyer with 24 years' PQE. She is Head of our Edinburgh office. Kirsti deals with multi-million-pound construction disputes arising out of the transport sector (rail and roads), energy-related projects (rig construction and refurbishment, offshore decommissioning and renewables) as well as regularly advising and representing parties in PFI/PPP projects (schools, hospitals, prisons and roads) throughout the UK. Key clients include Bouygues E&S Solutions Limited, Taylor Wimpey, Jacobs, Capita and Network Rail. Kirsti has an LLM (with Distinction) in Construction Law. She has extensive experience of all forms of dispute resolution including court proceedings, arbitration, adjudication and mediation. She is a Member of the Society of Construction Law and the Scottish Arbitration Centre and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Kirsti was the Chair of Oil and Gas UK's Decommissioning Working Group, which drafted the first LOGIC standard form decommissioning contract for the North Sea oil industry. She lectures on decommissioning at Aberdeen University.
United Kingdom - Scotland • Real estate
Dentons
With procurement expert Mark Macaulay (Glasgow) heading up Dentons‘ construction practice, the team is well-equipped in the non-contentious arena. Macaulay is a regular port of call for Scottish, UK-wide and international development, infrastructure and energy sector projects and the group also has a strong profile for contentious work in the transport sector, including rail, ports and roads, due not least to the expertise of the Edinburgh-based Kirsti Olson. Also active in the contentious sphere is Linzi Hedalen, who was promoted to partner in May 2022. Paul Young departed for Shepherd and Wedderburn in January 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The people are very proactive and responsive with impressive IT skills.’
‘Mark Macaulay is simply the best construction lawyer in Scotland for his practical and pragmatic guidance.'
'Kirsti Olsen is a top-class contentious construction lawyer who creates confidence with clients, argues coherently and advises honestly and directly.'
‘Strong in construction law and very communicative with clients.’
‘Excellent work from Linzi Hedalen, Kirsti Olson, Sarah Alexander.’
‘Kirsti Olson and the team are a delight to work with - very reactive and quick to get to the centre of the issue and provide sound practical advice.’
‘Kirsti Olson is a leading construction disputes lawyer - tenacious, astute and practical.’
Key clients
- Capita
- P & O Ferries
- Energy Vault
- Jacobs Engineering Group
- Taylor Wimpey UK Limited
- Silverstone Circuits Limited
- Prudential Assurance Company
- Clyde Gateway URC
- Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
- Ruskhim LLC
- Britishvolt
Work highlights
- Advising Britishvolt on the £2.5bn development of a landmark 30GWh electric vehicle battery production manufacturing facility in Blyth, Northumberland.
- Advising The Prudential Assurance Company Limited on all construction aspects of the prestigious, mixed-use development at Haymarket, Edinburgh.
- Assisted Capita Property & Infrastructure Limited with an action raised in the Court of Session by Greater Glasgow Health Board.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mark Macaulay